From "Rabbi" to "Immanuel" to "blasphemer" and "King of the Jews," Jesus was not short on titles. Practically every major event in his life, from his birth to his crucifixion, is marked by the pronunciation or rejection of some title.
What did people say about Jesus?
Throughout history, many have attempted to define who Jesus of Nazareth was, and people in the first century weren't shy about slapping labels and titles on him.
These names weren't just casual descriptions, and they carried weight, adoration, or derision. In some cases, these titles were the catalyst of life-altering, or death-dealing events, showcasing the chasm between the intent of these titles and the true nature of Jesus.
Nicknames and Titles: Snapshots of Public Opinion
Nicknames are common in human interaction, often used as terms of endearment, jest, or, when you're in middle school...ruthless ridicule. In Jesus' case, they were more potent — they were gateways into understanding the perceptions of the people amidst his life."
From "Rabbi" to "Immanuel" to "blasphemer" and "King of the Jews," Jesus was not short on titles. Practically every major event in his life, from his birth to his crucifixion, is marked by the pronunciation or rejection of some title.
The warmth and affection with which some were wielded contrasts with the cold sense of contempt in others who wanted Jesus killed and out of the way.
Here are three enlightening titles for Jesus:
1. Jesus the Carpenter's Son
To call someone by their profession seems harmless on the surface. In Jesus' day, unless you were a child prodigy destined for a rabbinical life, most men followed in the trade of their fathers and their families.
Men inherited business, trades, and skills that were passed down to them by their fathers: fishermen, tailors, tanners, blacksmiths, and carpenters, to name a few. But beneath this particular title for Jesus was a not-so-veiled insult.
In the narrative found in Mark 5:35-6:6, we witness a remarkable instance of Jesus’ power and the juxtaposition of public perception. After Jesus awakes to find messengers telling Jairus that his daughter is dead, Jesus insists on visiting the house.
He miraculously raises the girl from the dead, leaving those present in awe. Yet, shortly afterward, as he returns to his hometown and teaches in the synagogue, the very people who should have been most familiar with him are incredulous.
They recognize him as "the carpenter, the son of Mary," pointing to his ordinariness and questioning, "Where did this man get these things?"
The stark contrast lies in how, on the one hand, Jesus carried the quiet identity of a carpenter's son, a label that implied a simple, unremarkable life tied to physical labor.
On the other hand, the miracles he performed, such as raising a girl from the dead, contradicted this humble background.
Yet, despite the evidence of his divine power, the people of his hometown could not reconcile the familiar figure of a craftsman with the extraordinary works of a man of God, ultimately doubting his authority and divine mission.
Jesus, a mere craftsman's offspring? It was a way to diminish, to disqualify him without due respect for who he truly was — the Son of God, the Word incarnate.
Even his own neighbors got in on the action. “Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us? So, they were offended by him" (Mark 6:3).
They were offended due to their inability to reconcile his seemingly humble background with the remarkable things that He was doing.
It’s a loaded question that the locals pose, incredulously asking how he could speak with such wisdom when they knew "who" he was. They thought they knew him, but they sorely underestimated the divine abilities and insights from God that Jesus possessed.
Present-day application: How often do we underestimate people who come from humble beginnings or seemingly ordinary lives? This title shows us the danger of making assumptions and judging others based on their past or family background.
We should instead focus on their character and actions, as Jesus' hometown eventually came to be acknowledged after his resurrection. So many times, in my church I discover that the largest givers are the most humble.
They sweep the floors, clean the seats, and they wear clothes no one would think a wealthy person would. I am constantly reminded not to judge by appearances but rather by the fruits of their life and the generosity that flows from their heart and their character.
2. Jesus, the Friend of Sinners
The word "sinner" still carries with it a complicated association. To our culture at large, this may be a description of someone who is proud to have fun, offend others, and do what they want.
To religious folk, it may be a slur used to deride someone as beneath them and unworthy of God's attention. Still, to others, it's an antiquated phrase easily dismissed as the ravings of religious lunatics.
In Jesus' time, however, it was a label that had massive implications. It spoke to the heart of religious attitudes and practices. It was a delineating factor between who God accepted and who He did not.
Jesus' willingness to associate with people who were considered "sinners" was a sign of his humble and loving nature, as well as his desire to bring salvation to all.
The religious leaders of the time, who were often the most vocal in labeling and judging others, saw Jesus' association with "sinners" as a sign of his own moral corruption.
They were blinded by their pride and piety, unable to see that Jesus was actually showing them God's love and grace for all people.
In Matthew 9:11-13, the Pharisees questioned Jesus' disciples, asking why he would eat with tax collectors and sinners. In response, Jesus told them that he came for those who needed healing- the sick, not the righteous.
Being the "Friend of Sinners" wasn't an obligatory role that Jesus played; it was an identity. His willingness to dine next to and publicly associate himself with sinners was a defining factor of his life.
Jesus' ministry was marked with a remarkable, unprejudiced welcome of those rejected by society. This title, "Friend of Sinners," is more than just another moniker; it’s a revolutionary concept. It affirms a worldview where God's love extends to the hopeless, the soiled, and the unsightly.
Present-day application: Jesus' example challenges us to reevaluate our own attitudes towards those we may see as “sinners.” Are we willing to truly love and embrace them, or do we cast judgment on them or avoid "those people" altogether"?
As followers of Christ, it is our duty to follow His example and extend God's love and grace to all, regardless of their past or present sins.
3. Jesus the Blasphemer
The heavy-handed accusation of blasphemy was slung at Jesus on multiple occasions, often with violent intent. When the religious elite hurled it at him, they did so with a clear purpose — to vilify the divine claims of Jesus that threatened their powers.
In Luke 5:18-26, the Pharisees and teachers of the law were watching Jesus closely during a healing miracle. What should have been incredulous to them was the fact that Jesus actually had healed someone.
They should have (like everyone else in this story) gaped in awe, given God the glory in gratitude, and been curious about how Jesus accomplished this. Instead, they focused on what Jesus said and did next: He forgave the man's sins.
Only God could do this. They did rightly see the magnitude of this claim, but instead of pairing it with his ability to heal, they separated it from the miracle and accused him of blasphemy with violent intent. They focused more on Jesus' words and intent than His identity and purpose.
The charge of blasphemy against Jesus was so serious that it often led to violent reactions, as seen in John 10:31 when the Jews picked up stones to stone him after he declared, "I and the Father are one."
Additionally, in Mark 14:61-64, Jesus was accused of blasphemy during his trial before the high priest. It was a serious crime in Jewish law, punishable by death.
But what did this charge of blasphemy truly reveal about Jesus? It showed that He was not just a mere man but God in human form.
His words and actions were seen as a direct challenge to the religious leaders' authority and traditions. Yet, even amid their accusations, Jesus remained steadfast in his divine identity and mission.
Present-day application: Just as the charge of blasphemy revealed Jesus' true identity, it also reveals our own hearts. Are we more concerned with following traditions and rules, or are we truly seeking to understand and follow God's will?
Do we reject anything that challenges our beliefs, or do we have a heart open to the truth, even if it goes against what we have always known?&
As followers of Christ, let us also strive to defend and uphold his divine nature and mission, even when it may be unpopular or met with opposition.
Just as Jesus remained steadfast in his identity despite being accused of blasphemy, let us also stand firm in our faith and identity as children of God.
The names and derogatory descriptions that people heaped upon Jesus actually showcased a disparity between what people could not accept and who Jesus actually was. In a sense, they highlighted the very essence of Jesus' mission on Earth, for not coming to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).
He knew these titles, these words would be the nails that held him to the cross, but he also knew that they would be the keys that unlocked salvation for all who would believe.
The irony of these misunderstood titles is not lost on history, and it serves as a timeless reminder that the narratives we craft about people, even around Jesus, can be terribly off the mark.
In the end, the misunderstood Messiah, the Son of the Carpenter, the Friend of Sinners, and the Accused Blasphemer were titles of truth and grace, unveiling a savior whose love and mission were unparalleled.
The labels that humans gave him could never define him, for his true nature and power far exceeded anything that could be contained within a mere earthly phrase.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kirstypargeter
Kile Baker is a former Atheist who didn’t plan on becoming a Christian, let alone a Pastor, who now writes to try and make Christianity simple. Kile recently wrote a study guide to help people “look forward to and long for Heaven.” You can get one on Amazon here. He also writes at www.paperbacktheologian.com. Kile is the grateful husband to the incredibly talented Rachel, Dad to the energetic London and feisty Emma and Co-Lead Pastor at LifePoint Church in Northern Nevada. He single handedly keeps local coffee shops in business.
